joresearchjournal

[joresearchjournal]

Prana

Introduction

One of my favorite YouTubers, Ralph Smarts aka Infinite Waters, used to say, “Breathe in that good prana!” What is prana?

What is Prana and Pranayama?

Prana, derived from Sanskrit, is conceptualized as the vital life force or energy that permeates all living beings, integral to Indian philosophical systems such as yoga and Ayurveda. It is often associated with breath, symbolizing the link between the physical and astral bodies, as noted in texts like the Sivananda Yoga Farm teachings (Prana - Pranayama - Chakras - Kundalini | Sivananda Yoga Farm). Prana is understood as the vital life force or energy that flows through all living beings, central to Indian philosophical traditions like yoga and Ayurveda.

Pranayama, a compound of "prana" (life energy) and "ayama" (control or extension), is the practice of controlling and manipulating this energy through specific breathing techniques, such as controlling the duration of inhalation, exhalation, and holding the breath. It aims to balance prana for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Origin and History

Pranayama's origins trace back to ancient India, with the earliest mentions in the Upanishads, dated between 800 and 500 BCE, where it is described as part of yogic practices, notably in the Maitrayaniya Upanishad. The Bhagavad Gita, composed between 400 BCE and 200 CE, references pranayama in chapter 4, verse 29, as a method for breath control to achieve a trance state. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, from around 200 BCE to 400 CE, formalize pranayama as the fourth limb of the eight-limbed path, emphasizing its role in steadying the mind. Over centuries, it evolved through Hatha yoga, which introduced techniques like Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi, and Kapalabhati, expanding its practice for holistic health.

Evolution and Development

Post-Patanjali, pranayama saw significant development, particularly in the Hatha yoga tradition, with the 15th-century Hatha Yoga Pradipika detailing techniques like Kumbhaka, Bandhas, and various pranayamas such as Bhastrika and Kapalabhati, aiming for kevala kumbhaka (complete suspension of breathing) (Pranayama - Wikipedia). This evolution marked a shift toward physical and energetic benefits, expanding its application beyond spiritual goals.

Interestingly, pranayama also influenced Buddhist practices, with the Buddha practicing painful breath restraint before enlightenment, as noted in the Pali Canon, and later Indo-Tibetan forms from the 11th century, like the nine breathings of purification in Tibetan traditions (Pranayama - Wikipedia). This cross-cultural adoption highlights its versatility and adaptability.

In modern yoga, particularly as exercise, pranayama practices have diverged from traditional cessation of breathing to synchronizing breath with movements, as seen in contemporary yoga classes (Pranayama - Wikipedia). This shift reflects a broader accessibility, with benefits researched for physical and emotional health, such as lowering blood pressure and enhancing mindfulness, as noted in a 2022 study mentioned in Healthline.

Techniques and Types

Pranayama encompasses a variety of techniques, each with specific methods and benefits. Common types include:

Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Purifies energy channels, starting with slow breathing and potentially including breath retention (kumbhaka), as described in What is Pranayama? Different Types of Pranayama.

Ujjayi (Victorious Breath): Involves forceful diaphragmatic breathing, compared to a blacksmith's bellows in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, enhancing energy flow (How Many Pranayamas Are There? - Complete List and Explanations).

Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath): Rapid, forceful exhalation, traditionally a cleansing method but now considered pranayama, similar to Bhastrika, aiding in reducing belly fat and inflammation (What is Pranayama? Different Types of Pranayama).

These techniques vary, with some sources listing up to 14 types, each tailored for different physical and mental outcomes, as seen in 14 types of Pranayamas | Diva Yoga. The practice's flexibility allows for integration into meditation, asana, or standalone exercises, enhancing its applicability.

Sources:

Wikipedia on Pranayama history and origin

Yogapedia definition of Pranayama

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 verse 29

Prana - Pranayama - Chakras - Kundalini Sivananda Yoga Farm

What is Pranayama? A Brief History and Yoga Benefits Gaia

What is Pranayama? Different Types of Pranayama Vinyasa Yoga Ashram

How Many Pranayamas Are There? Complete List and Explanations Forceful Tranquility

14 types of Pranayamas Diva Yoga

Pranayama: A Guide to its Philosophy and Practice Classic Yoga

Pranayama Benefits for Physical and Emotional Health Healthline

-JOREEEZY

[joresearchjournal]

The Smiling Buddha

Introduction

I discovered Amoll Mehta on YouTube while researching meditation techniques. He taught me different breathing techniques, but the Smiling Buddha meditation resonated with me. I incorporate it into my morning routine, finding it a great way to boost my happiness.

Origin and History

The smiling Buddha meditation, known as Smiling Buddha Kriya in Kundalini Yoga, has a unique origin story within this tradition. Apparently, a Brahmin taught this meditation to the Buddha after his 40-day fast under the fig tree, helping him recover emotionally and regain positivity. However, this narrative is not found in traditional Buddhist texts, suggesting it may be a perspective from Kundalini Yoga rather than historical Buddhist accounts.

How to Do It

To practice the Smiling Buddha Kriya, follow these steps:

- Sit in Easy Pose (cross-legged) with a straight spine, or on a chair with feet flat and back upright.

- Close your eyes and concentrate at the Third Eye point (between the eyebrows).

- Form a mudra by extending your index and middle fingers upward, curling your ring and little fingers down, and pressing them with your thumb. Position your arms at a 30-degree angle, palms facing forward, forearms parallel. - SMILE BIG and feel happy!

- Mentally chant the mantra "Saa Taa Naa Maa" at the Third Eye, where "Saa" means infinite, "Taa" life, "Naa" death, and "Maa" regeneration, symbolizing "I am Truth."

- Practice for about 10 minutes, though shorter durations are also effective.

Effects and Benefits

The evidence leans toward the Smiling Buddha Kriya opening the heart center, leading to feelings of elevation and bliss. It may help repair emotional balance, boost confidence, and provide a sense of fulfillment, particularly after stressful periods. While individual experiences vary, it is often described as uplifting and mood-enhancing, aligning with broader research on meditation's psychological benefits. Also, forcing a smile activates facial muscles associated with happiness, triggering the brain to release feel-good chemicals. Even a fake smile can stimulate the release of endorphins, which naturally elevate mood.

An unexpected detail is that a simpler version of smiling meditation, not specific to Kundalini Yoga, involves just sitting, breathing deeply, and smiling to release endorphins, which can be done anywhere for quick mood improvement.

Sources:

Smiling Buddha Kriya - 3HO International

Smiling Buddha Meditation for Happiness & Confidence

Positive Health Online | Article - Self-Healing - Buddha's Smiling Meditation

The Buddha’s Smile – Still Water Mindfulness Practice Center

Why Does the Buddha Smile? - Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

Kundalini Yoga - Smiling Buddha Kriya

Best Meditation For Happiness & Positivity [With Script]

Smiling Buddha Kriya (kundalini kriya) : Y is for Yogini

The spiritual power of a smile - Wildmind

- JOREEEZY

[joresearchjournal]

The Cube

Introduction When getting to know someone, I like to put them through a visualization exercise. This personality test helps them and me get a deeper understanding of how they view themselves in their environment. I call it the cube and it goes like this… 

Close Your Eyes and Visualize

Think of an open field. How big is this field? What is it filled with? What are the surroundings like?

Think of a cube. How big is the cube? What is it made of, and what is the surface like? What color is it? Where in the field is it? Where is the cube (e.g. on the ground, floating, etc.)? Is it transparent? If so, can you see inside?

Think of a ladder. How long is this ladder, and where is this located in your field? What's the distance between the ladder and the cube?

Think of a horse. What color is the horse? What is the horse doing, and where is it in relation to your cube?

Think of flowers. Where are the flowers in your field, and how many are there?

Think of what the weather in the field is like. Is it raining? Sunny? Is your field foggy?

Think of a storm. What is the distance between the storm and the cube? Is it a big storm? Is it just passing through?

What It All Means

The Field

The field represents your mind. Its size is the representation of your knowledge of the world, and how vast your personality is. The condition of the field (dry, grassy, or well-trimmed) is what your personality looks like at first glance.

The Cube

The cube represents you. The size of the cube is your ego. The surface of the cube represents what is visibly observable about your personality, or maybe it is what you want others to think about you. The texture of the cube (e.g. smooth, rough, bumpy, etc.) represents your nature.

The color of the cube is a more in-depth analysis of yourself. Each color can represent an emotion, or an entire personality altogether.

In some cases, the physical characteristics of the cube are unique;

A cube with a transparent surface means you tend to let others know how you feel on the inside. You are confident enough to show your inner thoughts, and you are deeply sincere. You know that you are good inside, and guess what—it shows! That's what most people see in you as well.

A cube made out of water or ice indicates that you let external elements influence you completely. Your personality is sensitive to social pressure, relationships, and other environmental factors.

A hollow cube means that you are primarily concerned with your outside appearance, with far less care for what's going on within. However, this does not mean that you have nothing to offer on the inside.

A cube made out of metal or rock indicates that you have solid integrity. Your personality is so strong that it cannot be bent or influenced by any external force. You are dominant and consistent.

The Ladder

The ladder represents two different aspects of your life—your goals and your friendships. Now, the location and material of your ladder can also tell you how close you are with your friends. You guessed it—the closer the ladder is to the cube and the stronger the ladder is, the better it is for your friendships!

The Horse

The horse represents your ideal partner. It could be playing, running around, or grazing right next to your cube or clear across the field.

If your horse is a completely different color than the ones listed above (think Wizard of Oz), it means you value originality and independence in a partner. You want to be with someone who fascinates and challenges you.

One more factor to consider about the horse is its distance from the cube. If it's very near the cube, it indicates that you prefer relationships where you spend most of your time with your partner. If the horse is a bit further away from the cube, it indicates a need for a partner who will understand and accommodate your desire for alone time.

The Flowers

The flowers represent your family and friends. The number of flowers reflects your popularity, and their location indicates how close you are with your social groups.

The Weather

The weather in your field reflects your general outlook on life. There's a reason we have expressions like, "When it rains, it pours!"

The Storm

The strength and position of the storm reflect the stress you're feeling in life. As you probably guessed, the stronger the storm and the closer to the cube, the higher your stress level! If you imagined a storm raging right above your cube, it might be a good idea to work on reducing stress in your daily life.

Source: https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/quick-personality-test

- JOREEEZY

[joresearchjournal]

Multiple Intelligence

Introduction

There’s this quote that says “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor from Harvard University, looked into it and developed the theory of multiple intelligences 

Theory of Multiple Intelligences

 Linguistic Intelligence: The capacity to use language to express what's on your mind and to understand other people. Any kind of writer, orator, speaker, lawyer, or other person for whom language is an important stock in trade has great linguistic intelligence.

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence: The capacity to understand the underlying principles of some kind of causal system, the way a scientist or a logician does; or to manipulate numbers, quantities, and operations, the way a mathematician does.

Musical Rhythmic Intelligence: The capacity to think in music; to be able to hear patterns, recognize them, and perhaps manipulate them. People who have strong musical intelligence don't just remember music easily, they can't get it out of their minds, it's so omnipresent.

Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence: The capacity to use your whole body or parts of your body (your hands, your fingers, your arms) to solve a problem, make something, or put on some kind of production. The most evident examples are people in athletics or the performing arts, particularly dancing or acting.

Spatial Intelligence: The ability to represent the spatial world internally in your mind -- the way a sailor or airplane pilot navigates the large spatial world, or the way a chess player or sculptor represents a more circumscribed spatial world. Spatial intelligence can be used in the arts or in the sciences.

Naturalist Intelligence: The ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) and sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef.

Intrapersonal Intelligence: Having an understanding of yourself; knowing who you are, what you can do, what you want to do, how you react to things, which things to avoid, and which things to gravitate toward. We are drawn to people who have a good understanding of themselves. They tend to know what they can and can't do, and to know where to go if they need help.

Interpersonal Intelligence: The ability to understand other people. It's an ability we all need, but is especially important for teachers, clinicians, salespersons, or politicians -- anybody who deals with other people.

Existential Intelligence: The ability and proclivity to pose (and ponder) questions about life, death, and ultimate realities.

Howard Gardner's seminar / Theory of Multiple Intelligences / originally published in 1983

Source: https://at.tumblr.com/explore-blog/1-linguistic-intelligence-the-capacity-to-use/pe8bm2rr5tcc

- JOREEEZY